Portable building structure



Apiil 25,1939. w. B. STOUT 2,155,376

PORTABLE BUILDING STRUCTI JRE Filed Nov. 13, 1935 e Sheets-Sheet Apgil25; 1939,. w. B. STOUT PORTABLE BUILDING STRUCTURE s Sheets-Sheet 2Filed Nov., 13, 1935 IN VEN TOR. B. Sioui.

April 25, 1939. w. B. STOUT 2,155,876

PORTABLE BUILDING STRUCTURE Fild Nov. 15', 1935 e Sheets-Sheet s INVE NTOR.

4 TTORNEYS.

April 25, 1939.

wQ BISTOUTY 2,155,876 I PORTABLE BUILDING STRUCTURE Filed-Nov. 1:5, 1955e Sheets-Sheet" 4 INVENTOR. m'ZZz'am .B. 5202(2'2 April 25,1939.

w. B. sr0u'r PORTABLE BUILDING STRUCTURE Filed Nov. 13; 1935 eShets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR.

Armmm Anna-1939. w. a'sTou'r "2,155,876 I PORTABLE BUILDING STRUCTUREFiled Nov. '13, 19 35" 6 Shets-Sheetfi.

I I h19 ATTORNEYS.

Patented Apr. 25, 1939..

UNITED s'rArlz's PATENT .omee

PORTABLE BUILDING STRUCTURE William B. Stout, Detroit, Mich assignor, by

mesne assignments, to Stout Engineering Lab.- .oratories, Inc.,Dear-born, Mich, a corporation of Michigan ApplicationNovember 13, 1935,Serial,l-lo. 49.463

3 Claims.

This invention relates generally to portable building structures. Moreparticularly, it relates .to trailers of the expansible type which maybe conveniently moved from place to place by a con- 5 ventionalautomobile, which are-adapted to be unfolded when not actually in motionto provide.

a substantial, enclosed, building structure which may be use'dfor livingquarters.

While building structures of this generic type have heretofore beenknown, it is a general object of the present invention to provide animproved construction, which, when expanded to form a house, willprovide a substantial type of construction and which will afford manyconvenlB iences of construction not heretofore obtainable in structuresof this general class.

The present invention contemplates the provision of a building structurehaving a main body section which has a permanent floor, roof and endwalls. The side walls of the body section are composed of a plurality.of hinged panels which are pivotally secured-with respect to the mainbody section and adapted to be folded in superimposed parallel relationwith respect to each other.

These panels when unfolded constitute the roof, side walls, floor andouter-.wall of a portion of the house. When in folded position, thesemembers serve to provide a supporting truss for the side of the mainbody section to add strength to this main body section while it is beingtransported from one location to another.

It is a general object of the present invention to provide a trailerconstruction of this generic class in which the joints between thevarious sections are provided with sealing means which prevent theaccess of water orother foreign matter not only when the sections are infolded position,

but'also when the sections are in extended or unfolded position.

40 Yet another object of the invention consists in the provision of anovel, strong, light, wall coni structionwhich aifords'a .maxiinumpfprotection,

insulation and an attractive appearance, both externally and internally.and yet is relatively light in weight and easily handled.

Still further, the present invention contemplates the provision of aconstruction which may easily be folded to provide a light weight, com-"pact and neat appeaji-ing trailer structure which 5) maybe easily andconveniently transported from place to place by means of a conventionalautomobile.

Yet another object of the present invention consists in the provision ofan expansible buildmg construction which, in its unfolded condition willafford substantially increased floor space and yet which will be of verystable and rugged construction. i

4 The present invention further contemplates the provision of atransportable structure which has 6 extensible portions constitutingboth sides thereof, in order that the resultant building structure,

when the wall sections have been completely unfolded and secured inposition, will be substantially more than twice as large as the mainbody 1 section of the building when thewall sections are in foldedposition.

An important feature of the present invention resides in theconstruction and arrangement of foldable panels such that a structurefor housing 15 an automobile may beprovided on one side of the centralstructure. The garage thusprovided has no floo'r, the panel generallyserving as floor for this portion of the structure being retained insubstantially vertically disposed position and con- 20 stituting apartition wall between the main body.

portion and the garage.

Yet another object of the present invention con; sists in the provisionof novel means for mounting a compartment with respect to one of thepiv- 25' oted wall sections in order that the compartment as awhole maybebodily swung outwardly of the'main body section when the wall sectionsare unfolded and may be bodily swung inwardly of the main body sectionswhen the wall sections are 3 folded.

, Yet another feature of'the present invention consists in the provisionof novel means for inter-. connecting the various wall sections maldngup the auxiliary portion of. the house structure in 35 gorder that thesesections mayfbe conveniently and compactly folded in order to provide amaximum bracing effect of the main body section and,

ture as a whole being secured to an automobile 5 i in position formovementv from'place to place.

Fig. 2 is a'perspective view, similar to Fig. 1

showing oneof the auxiliary portions of the building partially unfoldedwith respect to the main body portion.

Fig. 3 shows the building structure on location completely unfolded anddisconnected from the vehicle by which it is moved.

Fig. 4 is a diagrammatic floor plan of the complete building inunfoldedcondition.

Fig. 5 is 'a vertical sectional view taken lo ngitudinally on the line5-5 of Fig. 4 showing the arrangement of the kitchen in themain bodysection of the trailer.

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view taken on the line 6"6 ofFig. 5 through the kitchen compartment of the main;body section lookingforwardly. V

Fig. 7 is a vertical transverse sectional view taken on the line of Fig.,5 showing the arrangement of the buffet in the central portion of themain body section.

Fig. 8 is a transverse sectional view taken on the line 8-8 of Fig. 2showing the mounting of the front doors of the main body section.

Fig. 9 is a horizontal sectional view taken on the line 9-9 of Fig. 3through the entire unfolded building structure with the auxiliarysections in completely unfolded position.

Fig. 10 is a vertical sectional view taken on the ,line 10-40 of Fig. 9showing the frame construetion of the main body section.

Fig. 11 is a front elevation with the sheathing vremoved showing one ofthe auinliary sections in .30 completely unfolded position and showingthe Fig. 14 is an enlarged sectional view taken on the line l4-|4 ofFig. 13 showing the wheel mounting and wheel housing.

Fig. 15 is an enlarged sectional view taken on the line l5-l5 of Fig. '9showing the pivotal mounting of one of the auxiliary floor sections withrespect to the floor section of the main body portion.

Fig. 16 is an enlarged sectional view taken on the line lE-IS of Fig. 9showing the means by which the lower marginal edge of the outer wallpanel is secured to the outer marginal edgeof the auxiliary floorsection.

Fig. 17 is a sectional view taken on the line I 'l| 1 of Fig. 15 showingthe mounting of one of the auxiliary'end wall panels with respect to themain body section of the trailer and also with respect to the main andauxiliary floor sections thereof. r

Fig. 18 is a sectional view taken on the line 18-18 of Fig. 16 showingthe mounting of one of the auxiliary end wall panels wigi espect-tot theouter wall section andihe awfil'iary floor and further showing the meansfor locking these membe rs in their respective positions.-

' Fig. 20 is an enlarged setionalview taken on the line 20-40 ofFig. 3showing the means by which theauxiliary roof panel is pivotally se- 7curedtdthe main body section ofthe trailer and 75. also showing themeans by which this hinged joint is sealed to prevent the access ofwater or other foreign matter. 7

Fig. 21 is an enlarged sectional view taken on the line 2l-2l -of' Fig.3 showing the manner in which the outer wall panel is pivotally securedto the outer marginal edge of the auxiliary roof panel.

Fig. 22 is a sectional view taken on the line 22-22 of Fig. 20 showingthe pivotal connection between the outer wall panel and the auxiliaryroof panel. I

Fig. 23 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken on the line 2323of Fig. 3 showing the'means by which the removable floor supportingtrussis secured to the main body section and to the outer wall section.

Fig. 24 shows amodified form of the invention in which one of theextensible sections is used as .a garage.

Fig. 25 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken on the line25-25 of Fig. 24 showing themodified hinge construction for mounting theend.panels of the extensible section when it-is desired to use thisportion of the structure as a garage.

With more particular reference to the drawings, the specificembodimentof the invention disclosed therein comprises, in general, a main bodysection which is preferably formed of a frame work of relatively lightweight sheet metal tubing. The tubing is preferably square in cross-section to facilitate joining adjacent portions thereof and to provideasubstantial fiat surface for the securernent of sheathing thereto.

The main body section comprises a pair of substantially parallellongitudinally extending sill trusses In. These sill trusses are formedof sheet metal tubing and have diagonal braces therein which serve tomaterially increase the strength and rigidity'ofthe truss structure as awhole. These longitudinal sill trusses ID are maintained in spacedsubstantially parallel relation by means of transversely extendingtubular members ll which serve to join the side sill members together atsuitable intervals throughout their length. Slightly rearwardly of thelongitudinal central portion of this main .body section are mounted apair. of wheels 12' which are journalled on a suitable axle B, which isin turn connected to the sill members by means of semi-elliptic leafsprings l4. Each of the wheels I2 is provided with a brake l5 actuatedby means of longitudinal pull rods I6, each connected at their forwardends by means of a pivotal link'l1 to a brake booster cylinder I8. Thebooster brake cylinder is of-the fluid actuated type and is adapted tobe connected by.

means of suitable tubing l9 to a source of power on the vehicle which isused to tow the building structure from place to place.

Flooring 22 for the 'main body section of the structure is provided, andis preferably formed of plywood or suitablesimilarunaterial. Ingmaringis supported by the transverse sheet metal tubular members II and thelongitudinal sill trusses 10. These transverse supporting members Hextend laterally beyond the wheels 12 and are connected together attheir extreme outer ends" by means of a longitudinally extending squaretubular member 2. It will thus be seen that a substantially rectangularframe work is provided for supporting the flooring of the main bodysection of the structure, and that the wheels I! extend upwardly throughthis frame work and flooring.

' that wheel housings comprising a frame work of sheet metal members '26serve to provide a recess in which thewheels of the'trailer l2 may frontend of the main body section, and are be free to rotate and move asubstantial distance vertically with respect to the floor.

The roof structure of-the main body section of the building structurecomprises a plurality of arched rafters 30 preferably formed of sheetmetal of hollow section and welded at their ends tolongitudinallyextending members 3i. Cross.

brace members 32 are also secured at their ends to the longitudinallyextending members 3| and extend transversely across from side to side ofthe roof structure and form, with the rafters 30, a truss for supportingthe roof proper. The roof is preferably covered by means of a sheet 33of lightweight, hard, durable, corrosion-resisting material such, forexample, as a magnesium alloy, which may be secured directly to the fiatupper side of the transversely extending rafter members 30. As is seenby reference to Fig. 20, this roof ing material 33 has its edges carriedsubstantially out "past the longitudinal members 3| and forms anoverhanging eave' 34 which. has a reversely bent marginal edge-34a inorder to prevent theaccess of rain to the interior of the structure.Interior roof trim 36 is secured to the under side of the transverselyextending brace members 32,

, and preferably has disposed inwardly thereof a sheet of insulating andsound-proofing material 31. The sound-proofingSl may consist of anysuitable material, and it has been found that felted fibrous sheets areparticularly satisfactory for this purpose. I

The roof structure as a whole is supported on the floor structure of themain body section of the trailer by means of a plurality of verticallyextending sheet metal posts 35 of hollow cross section welded tothemembers constituting the flooring supports and .similarly welded tothe" members constituting the. roof framing. It will be noted byreference to Figs. 9 and that the intermediate "posts 35 are disposedslightly in-.

wardly from'tl ie plane in which theend posts lie in order that the endpanels or end wall structures of the panel may be folded in line withthe end posts as will hereinafter be more ,clearly seen;

A vestibule is formed atthe front end of the main body section andcomprises a pair-of arcu-L ate sections of sheathing of, magnesiumalloy,

closets thus formed may be closed by suitable doors 50;

A pair of arcuatedoors 45 are each hinged on either side of the. doorwayopening, in the adapted to mate in their marginal edges to provide atight closure for the front end Qf the building. The doors 45 may eachhave a suitable window 46 therein and are linked together in order thatthey may be simultaneously actuated. A crank arm 48 is rigidly securedto the upper marginal edge of one of the door members 45 and haspivotally connected in its outer end a transverse link 49 which extendsacross the door opening and is pivotally anchored-in the upper framememberof the opposite door a suitable distanceoutwardly from the hingethereof. It will be apparent that as one of the doors is opened, thecrank arm and link 49 will serve to cause a corresponding openingmovement of the opposite door and, likewise the doors will besimultaneously moved-to closed position. These doors, as will be seenfrom the drawings, are preferably formed arcuate in order to preservethe general streamlining eifect of the body as'a whole and to provide aforwrrdv'estibule for the central body section of the building structureforwardly of the main portion thereof.

The frame work supporting the floor 22 of the main body section of thebuilding is extended forwardly and is provided with a ball member 52whichis adapted to engage a suitable socket carried on the vehicle towhich the building is adapted,,to be secured for transportation. Theflooring 221s also extended forwardlyto provide flooring for thevestibule," as well as for the main body section of the building.-

The rear section of the main body portion of the building is providedwith a vestibule somewhat similar to the forward vestible justdescribed. The rear vestibuleis defined by arcuate wallgsections 60,similar to the arcuate sections 38described in connectionwith the frontvestib le, these sections, together, forming a door opening in which ishinged a suitable door BI.

As will beeeen by reference .to the foregoing, each of these wallsections, as well as the door, is pref.-

erably comprised of a section of sheet metal' sheathing secured directlyto the square tubular members which form the frame work. Inwardly of,the. sheathingis secured a layer of fibrous sound-proofing materialandthe interior surface may be covered by any suitable inner trim material,as is conventional in structures of this type.

seen. wIn substantially the longitudinal central por.-

tion of the main body section, and extending supported on the. bodyframe work in order to generally streamline the front end ofthe buildingand to provide a door opening in the front'end thereof. These arcuatesections of sheathing 38 are preferably secured directly to the framework and have immediately inside thereof sheets of sound-proofingmaterial in order to provide insulation, and maybe covered on theirinner side by means of suitable inner trim material 39. A

pair of transverse partition members. are dis-- posed inwardlyof thearcuate sections 38 and cooperate therewith to form suitable closets 42oneither side of the front entrance. These 'It will be seen that thearcuate sections 60 provide storage space 9n either side of the reardoor, the purpose of which will hereinafter be clearly across thetransverse width thereof, a bufiet is provided, which comprises 'a lowerbin 5, preferably closed by means of a suitable pivoted door 66, and apair of drawers 6'! located beneath a suitable shelf 68'. Additionalshelves may be 10-- cated on the-lateral sides of the drawers 61 and a.mirror 'lilis mounted for transversesliding movement at the back portionof the shelf in order that when it is in the closed position as is shownin Fig. 7, itwillform an attractive closure for the back of the buffet,and when slid transversely sideways, will form an aperturethroughwhichcommunicationmay be had with the rear compartment orkitchenof the main body section.

4 This buffet is preferably located'just forwardly of the wheel housings26,, as maybe seen by reference to Fig. 10. Rearwardly of the buffet, a

compact and convenient kitchen is provided, which is illustrated indetail in Figs. 4 to 7 inclusive.

In the kitchen, a cupboard I is formed above the bullet and is providedwith a door which permits access to the. cupboard from the kitchen. Aseriesoi drawers 16 are suitably mounted on top of the right hand wheelhousing 26. On top of the drawers I8 is located a suitable compact gasstove", having an oven 18 thereabove. Cupboards iloccupy the space aboveand beside the ,gas stove.

On the opposite side of the kitchen over the other wheel housing 26 ismounted a refrigerator I50, preferably also designed to be operated bygas and occupying substantially the corresponding position ontheopposite side of the kitchen as is occupied by the gas stove justdescribed. It will be appreciated that the gas stove and refrigeratorare by far the heaviest of the permanent fixtures in the building andconsequently their mounting directly over the wheel materially enhancesthe riding qualities of the structure as a whole and serves to balancethe structure.

It has been found that the arrangement described above provides a veryconvenient and compact kitchen, but due to present day limitations onthe transverse width of structures of this kind, it may be desirableto-provide additional space between the kitchen andthe gas stove.

This may be accomplished by mounting the refrigerator I58 on suitable:trackways [5| in order that when the building is unfolded the refrig-,

, Likewise, when the structure is folded for translayer ofsound-proofing material 88 interiorly of portation, therefrigerator maybe slid inwardly to the position shown in ,full lines to permit compactfolding of the structure.

In the storage space on the left-hand side of the rear vestibule islocated a suitable gas cylinder, which may provide a suitable source ofgas for the operation ofboth the stove and the refrigerator. Furtherimportant structural features of this kitchen-will hereinafter beapparent.

In order to extend the size of the building structure to form a housewhen it is parked in a determined location, an auxiliary roof section88,

preferably formed of a rectilinear frame work of hollow sheet metaltubing and is pivotally secured to the roof section of the main bodyportion of the building in the manner shown in detail in Fig. 20. Thisauxiliary roof section 88 in general comprises the frame work 8|, asection of stiff metallic sheathing 82 on the outside thereof, a

the sheathing'and a sheet of suitable interior trim 88 secured.internally of the frame work. The longitudinal marginal frame member 8|has welded thereto hinge members 86 .which are piv-.

otally mount in suitable brackets 81, secured to theroof structureof themain body sections.

It will be seen by reference to Fig. 20 that the pivotal mounting ofthis hinge is in underneath this hinge and is arcuately flanged to forma marginal sealing strip 88. Itv will be apparent that as this auxiliaryroof section 88 is swung about its pivot, the'flared flange 88 will comeclosely in II edge 84a of the overhanging cave of thereof 84."

engagement with the reversely bent marginal tional sealing means.

anaem c effecting a tight seal between these two members. In order toinsure the tightness of this joint adjacent this hinge, a continuouslongitudinally extending flexible strip 90 serves to provide addi- Thisstrip 90 has one of its lateral marginal edges preferably adhesivelysecured to the flange 88 of the sheathing 82 and has its oppositemarginal edge secured permanently to'the roof section 83. The flexibleseal-. lng element may be formed of leather or any length substantiallythe same as the longitudinallength of the main body section, and is of awidth substantially the same as the height of the.

main body section from the eave of the roof to the floor thereof.

An outer wall panel 82 is pivotally mounted'to the outer marginal edgeof the auxiliary roof panel 80. Details of this mounting are clearlyshown in Figs. 21 and 22. It will be seen that this outer wall panel,similar to the roof panel just described, comprises a ,rectilinear framework 93 of sheet metal tubing of hollow cross section and a sheathingmember 94 serving to brace this frame work. Sound proofing material 95is located inwardly of the sheathing and a layer of trim, material issecured to theinboard side of the frame. A plurality of brackets 8'! arewelded to the outer longitudinal frame member of the auxiliary roofpanel and serve to provide means for mounting pivot pins 88, whichpassthrough the terminal ends otf the transverse frame members of theouter wall panel. It will thus be clear that a pivot mounting betweenthe marginal edges of this outer wall panel and the is carried outwardlyand curved downwardly to 'providean overhanging portion 81 toprotect-the pivotal connection between these two members. The sheathing94, covering the outer wall section, maybe extended upwardly past thepivot to provide a marginal flangewhich extends throughout the entirelength of the outer wall panel. I A resilient strip 98 is secured to theouter edge of'the outer longitudinal frame member of therauxiliary roofpanel which will engage with this extended flange of the sheathing- .84to provide a resilient seal for the pivotal connection between these twomembers when they are in the unfolded position shown in Fig. 21. V

As will be apparent by. reference to thev dra ings, the outer wallsection isof slightly less width than the auxiliary. roof section, andis adapted to be folded in superimposed, substantially parallel relationwith respect thereto in order that both these members may b retainedflat against the side of the main portion of the building when in foldedposition as shown in A pivotally mounted. auxiliary floor section isprovided at each side of the main body section. This floor. sectioncomprisesa rectilinear frame work of hollow steel tubing members llll,which have secured thereto ply wood flooring I82 simila:- inconstruction to the flooring 22 described in connection with the mainbody section. This flooring I02 may be-covered with a suitable surfacecovering of linoleum I03, as may be desired. The inner, longitudinalmember of the frame work IOI has secured at spaced intervals therealong,a plurality of brackets I05, which have tubular end portions I06,surrounding the outer longitudinal frame member 24 of the main body woodflooring I06 is provided which is adapted to lie in the space betweenthe auxiliary flooring I02 and the flooring 22 of the main section. Itwill be readily appreciatedthat this removable strip I08 may becompletely removed from its position, as shown in Fig. 15, when it isdesired to swing the auxiliary flooring section vertically with respectto the main flooring sections.

In order to support the auxiliary floor section IOI,with respect to themain flooring section, a removable truss section H is provided. Themounting of this removable truss is shown in detail in Fig. 23. Thistruss section is preferably formed of sheet metal tubing welded togetherto form a strong supporting truss and has its inner end preferablyprovided with a portion I01 adapted to enter a suitable socket I08 onthe frame work of the main body section at the longitudinal centralportion thereof. The outer end of this truss section H0 is secured tothe lower marginal edge of the outer wall panel, as will hereinafter bedescribed in detail. The auxiliary sections of the building structure asa whole are adapted to be clpsed at their ends by means of pivotallymounted end.sections, each of which preferably comprises a frame workformed of steel tubing I I2 and have sheathing, sound proofing materialand innertrim secured thereto, in substantially the same manner as hasbeen described in connection with the pivoted panels forming the roofand outerwall panel of these auxiliary sections. The outer,

are welded at spaced intervals along the outer longitudinal floor framemember I0 I. A plurality of studs IIB have slotted, threaded inner ends,

and are adapted to be passed through suitable holes in the frame membersforming the framework in the outer wall panels and screwed into thestationary nut I I5. It is seen that thenuts 5 have transversevertically disposed holes therein and each is provided with a removablepin I H which, when the studs H6 are screwed into position, willcooperate with the slot in the threaded end of the stud I IE to firmlylock these studs inposition.

'By reference to Figsal'l and 19, it will be apparent that the pivotallymounted end panels are secured by ineans of hinges II3 to the vertical'frame members of the main body section 35. It will be noted that eachof these pivotally mounted end panels is providedaround its marginaledge with a resilient strip I I4,,which serves to cooperate with aninwardly projecting flange I00 on the sheathing members of the adjacentoperates. The projecting flanges I00 are in themselves somewhatresilient and due to their mounting provide an extremely resilientengagement with the end panels with which they cooperate consequentlyeffecting a tight closure. The lower marginal frame .member of the framework II2 has welded along its'upper surface,

a plurality of stationary nuts I20, which register with suitablevertically disposed holes through this frame member. A plurality ofbolts I2I are adapted to be passed through suitable holes in the outerlongitudinal frame memberof the frame work IOI of the auxiliary floorsection. These bolts or studs I2I extend upwardly through this framework, through the floor and are adapted to be threaded into thestationary nuts I20 in the end panels.

Thus it will be seen that relatively simple means are provided forsecuring these end panels in position with respect to the auxiliaryfloor.

The auxiliary supporting truss H0 is provided at its outer end with avertically extending flange fportion III' having an aperture thereinwhich isadapted to receive one of the bolts IIG which secure the outerwall panel to the auxiliary floor section.

Both the outer wall panel and the end panel may be provided withsuitable windows generally designated as I which may be covered bysuitably screening permanently secured to the sheathing and may beclosed by sliding windows movable substantially in the plane of thepanels.

From' the foregoing, it will readily be appreciated that the buildingstructure as a whole may be folded into substantially the position shownin Fig. 1-,,and secured relatively simply to a suitable vehicle l26-andtransported. from place to place as may be desired. When adesireddestination has been reached, it will be apparent that the forward endof the main body section may be supported by a plurality of suitablejacks I21, which, together with the. wheels I2, will serve to maintainthe main body section of the structure in substantially horizontal.position. The roof section 80 may then be raised from its positionparallel to the side of the main body section to substantially theposition.

shown in Fig. 2 of the drawings. The outer wall panel 03 may then beswung downwardly about its pivot andiits lowermarginal edge supported bya suitable pair of jacks I28. It will be. clear that the unfolding ofthese two members, due

.to' the pivotal connection described above, efiects a tight seal atthe'pivotal joint thereof in order to exclude water or other foreign.matter. The auxiliary floor section IOI is their swungdownwardly aboutits pivot to a substantially horizontal position. The removable trusselement H0 is then inserted in place in the frame work of the main bodysection and its outer end is secured to the outer wall panel 93 by meansof oneof the studs IIS which pass through this outer wall panel and intoone of the stationary nuts H5 secured to the auxiliary floor section. It

"will be seen that thisauxiliary truss IIO serves to tension the framework of the auxiliary floorsection and provide with the outer wall paneland main floor section a substantially unitary construction. 1

The remainder of the bolts IIO arethen se wall panel with respect to thefloor panel IOI. As has been described above, each of these studs III;is locked against rotation by'means of ina cured in place in "order tofirmly lockthe outer and through the slot in the threaded end of thestud. The endpanels Hi2 are then swung outwardly about their hinges II3and locked in enway and it will, therefore, be seen that an expansiblebuilding structure is provided which has a relatively large, continuousfloor space interiorly thereof. The removable strips I06 may now beinserted in place, which serve'to bridge the space.

between the floor I02 and the flooring 22 of the main body section inorder .to provide a continuous floor surface interiorly of the building.

It will be readily appreciated from the foregoing that the unfolding ofthese panels and flooring sections to provide a building structure ofsubstantially larger area of floorspace is a relatively simpleoperation, and that the resulting structure provided is rigid andinsulated and sound-proof throughout. It will be further apby either thefront door 46 or the'rear door 6|.

It is seen from the foregoing that the windows in the front door, theaperture in the buifet and the window in the rear. door are all alignedlongitudinally in order that as the structure is being transported, aclear view is obtained from end to end, consequently not interferingwith the rear view of the occupants of .the vehicle used to tow thestructure.

When the structure is completely folded suitable bolts I52 may be passedthrough the lower marginal corners of the roof panel to secure thismember directly to"the frame in order. to lock the foldable sections infirm superimposed position.

In order to provide closet space interiorly of the building structure.when in unfolded condition,- a permanent closet I 30 may be permanentlymount-'- ed on one of the pivotally mounted end wall panels. This closetmay be conveniently closed by a suitable door I3I and has an arcuatelyextending permanent wall I32, which is supported wholly by alongitudinally extendingwall I33 secured to the pivotally mounted endwall panel. The .door I3I is preferably hinged directly to the auxiliaryend panel on which the closet I30 is mounted. On the inner side of thewall I33, a housing I36 may be mounted, which serves to providesupportfor a 1 tier of drawers I 35. By reference to Figs. 4 and 5 ofthe drawings, -'it maybe appreciated that e.

remo'vably mounted sink and drain board I36 ,may also be mounted on-theinboard side of the supporting wall I33 when the building structureis inunfolded condition; This sink m; preferably has may be mounted in thespace on the right hand side of the rear vestibule and may be provided76 with a siutable tap I39 from which water may be' .vide a relativelycompact and convenient arrangedrawn into the sink I36. It will beapparent that when it is desired to transport the building structurefr'om'one place to another that the end wall panel I I2 must,necessarily, be swung inwardly to fold the structure. Consequently, thesink and drain pipe I36 and I31 respectively, maybe removed and the endwall panel I I2, carrying with it the closet I30 and the tier of drawersI35, may be swung inwardly until the auxiliary end panel II2 liessubstantially parallel to the side of the main body section. It will beapparent that the closet I30 and the tier of drawers will then occupysub-. stantially the space indicated by dottedlines in Fig. 4. Thisconstruction has been found to proment which aifords closet spaceinteriorly of the building structure when in unfolded condition,

and bodily moves this closed compartmentinto the main body section ofthe building structure when the auxiliary sections thereof are foldedinto position.

"In the modified form of .the invention shown in Figs. 24 and 25 of thedrawings, a novel' and differ- 'entniethod of mounting the end panels isprovided in order that one of the auxiliary sections may be used for agarage.

' to be swung through 180.

When it is desired to useithis auxiliary section as a garage, the roofand outer wall panels are swung out and supported in substantially thepositions shown in Fig. 2; the floor is then loweredand the end panelsswung about their hinges I40 sumciently far to permit the auxiliaryfloor panel to .be'swung back up to vertical position.

Inasmuch as these end panels may be moved through 180, they will serveas closures for the auxiliary structure and it will be clear that theauxiliary floor section will constitute apartition between the main bodysection and the garage housing. I

The specific embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings and describedabove, is merely illustrative of the generic inventive concept de--fined in the sub-joined claims. ,Many other and further modificationswill be apparent to those skilled in the art.

What is claimed is: J In an expansible building structure, a main bodyportion, an expansible roof section hinged at floor of said main bodysection to said outer wall section, means for locking said brace memberto the floor section of said main body portion and tosaid outer wallsection, and a foldable-floor panel supported by said brace member.

2. Inan expansible building structure amain' one of its edges to saidmain body. portion, an outen wall section hinged at'on e of its edges'tosaid roof section, means for supporting said outer wall section inextended position whereby the same serves to support said expansibleroof section,'a floor section pivotally connected to 'said main bodysection, a brace "member extending from said main body'section to saidouter wall section in extended position.

body portion, an expansible roof section hingedat 1 3. In an expansiblebuilding structure, a main body portion, an extensible roof sectionhinged at one of its edges to said body portion, an outer wall panelhinged at one of its edges to said roof section, a brace memberextending from the floor of said main body section to said outer wallsection,

means for locking said brace member to the floor

